Dr. Tatiana Pavlova, an ophthalmologist, explained that contact lenses, like any medical product, can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
"The main danger is that contact lenses are foreign bodies in the eye," says Dr. Pavlova. "If personal hygiene rules are not adhered to or instructions for proper use are not followed, they can cause eye infections and diseases. Lenses are often handled with unclean hands when removing them from the packaging, which can introduce microbes to the area between the lens and the eye surface, leading to the development of corneal and conjunctival infections."
She added: “Contact lenses should not be used in the following cases:
Inflammatory eye diseases (such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis)
severe allergic reactions
Chronic diseases of the ocular surface.
People with severely impaired vision or corneal diseases should consult a specialist before using it.
The expert warns: “You should avoid wearing contact lenses in the following cases:
During viral respiratory infections
When there is inflammation in the nasopharynx
When swimming in pools or open water,
as the possibility of infection spreading to the eye increases in these conditions.
Dr. Pavlova emphasizes the importance of selecting and using contact lenses under the supervision of a qualified ophthalmologist, with regular follow-ups. She explains, "Examining patients using a corneal microscope allows for early detection of any problems and determining the appropriate type of lenses, safe duration of use, and care regimen tailored to each patient's individual characteristics."